“Composites” aren’t just expensive and elaborate carbon fibre parts for high-end race teams. It may be easier, more accessible, and cheaper than you think to get started in the composite game.

This week on the podcast, we sit down with Keith Peden from Rodin Cars to unravel the world of composites.

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Keith shares his journey from a childhood passion for cars to becoming a composite specialist in the automotive industry, building parts to the highest level. He emphasizes the importance of hands-on experience and how collaboration between engineering and manufacturing teams is key to success.

The conversation explores the properties of different composite materials and their applications in motorsport and automotive design. He discusses various aspects of composites, focusing on the differences between chopped strand mats and woven mats.

He also explains resin types, why proper mixing is critical to strength, and how many factors can impact the final product. We discuss different manufacturing methods, from wet layups to prepreg and autoclaves.

One of Keith’s big takeaways is that composites don’t always have to mean expensive carbon fibre. For many motorsport and automotive needs, affordable alternatives can deliver excellent results — especially for the home enthusiast.

Follow Rodin Cars here:

Website: rodin-cars.com
Instagram: rodincarsofficial
Facebook: Rodin Cars
Youtube: RodinCars

Timestamps:

0:00 “Composites” aren’t just for high-end motorsport
4:00 How did you form an interest in cars?
5:33 How do you become qualified in composite manufacturing and what’s your background?
16:18 Can you give us an overview of Rodin Cars?
27:44 What is your role as Composites Team Lead?
31:47 What does the word composites actually mean?
33:03 Is a carbon fibre part stronger in compression or tension?
35:21 What is carbon fibre and why is it so good for motorsport?
38:09 Carbon vs Kevlar vs Fibre glass cost variation?
40:42 What is a chopped strand mat?
43:05 What is a woven mat?
44:44 What is resin?
48:49 What does the term prepreg mean?
52:55 What is an Autoclave?
59:09 Other types of layup methods
1:11:55 Downsides of composites parts being repaired
1:13:21 How do you add threaded bosses for attachments to a composite part?
1:16:24 Final 3 questions

The Toyota GR Yaris and GR Corolla are already cult favourites, and now they’re about to get even faster.

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In this interview, Ben from ‪@artec_performance‬ reveals the 18-month R&D journey behind their fully emissions-compliant bolt-on turbo kit for Toyota’s GR platform. This isn't a generic setup, every component is purpose-built to retain OEM fitment, support factory ECU control, and maintain legal emissions systems. That means you keep your sensors, your catalytic converter, and your conscience clean while chasing 400+ hp.

You’ll hear how ARTEC engineered their own turbine housings, compressor covers, and manifold solution to suit Garrett G25 rotating assemblies, why packaging and emissions compliance required more than just off-the-shelf parts, and what makes the G16E-GTS engine one of the most exciting new tuning platforms in years.

Whether you’re building a street-legal time attack car or want to keep your road car emissions-friendly while unlocking serious power, this bolt-on system is worth a closer look.

"The closest we've got to a mechanic is a panel beater." - Has this group of friends on a budget built something quicker and more special than many big chequebook builds ever will be?

Use the code ‘PODCAST500’ to get $500 OFF HPA's VIP Package: https://hpcdmy.co/podvip

Most people overlook the third-gen Toyota MR2 (MR-S), but Justin from Close Enough Racing has spent years turning his into a proper grassroots weapon.

From a modest 1ZZ track car to a 450kW turbocharged 2ZZ build with APR widebody aero, a Jubu Racing close-ratio gearbox, and Porsche brakes, this is a fully developed MRS that competes on the world stage at World Time Attack Challenge.

You’ll learn how Justin and his mates handled the powertrain setup, aero evolution, and suspension development while working around the MR chassis’ limitations and strengths.

The car features a Gen 2 Garrett G35-82R turbo, factory-based poly bushed mounts, and a 3582R-based turbo system pushing 35 psi through a built 2ZZ engine. The team worked with brands like CMS Performance for tuning, APR for aero, Shockworks for suspension development, and even adapted Porsche Boxster calipers using custom dogbones.

Despite not being professional engineers, this group of friends put together a car that can compete with far more expensive, professionally built competition.

If you’re building your own track car and want to see how to combine smart part selection, testing, and a bit of ingenuity to go fast on a budget, this one’s worth your time.

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